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Southwest Public Schools board approves funding for security cameras, staff pay raise and policy revision
Summary
At its Feb. 10 meeting, the Southwest Public Schools Board approved a $13,936 transfer to buy additional Verkada security cameras, a 4% wage increase for classified staff, and a revision to policy 4040; the board also authorized offering certified‑staff contracts for 2025–26 and the sale of surplus items.
The Southwest Public Schools Board of Education voted Feb. 10 to transfer $13,936 from the district’s Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund to the Special Building Fund to purchase additional Verkada security cameras.
The motion to transfer the funds was moved by Board Member Duane Teter and seconded by Board Member Derek Meyers; the board recorded Ayes from Brooke Brooks, Duane Teter, Derek Meyers and President Jason Neseth. Nays: none. Absent: Jenni McConville and John O’Dea.
In the same meeting the board approved several personnel actions. The board adopted a revision to policy 4040 (Classified Staff) after a motion moved by Teter and seconded by Meyers; the motion passed with three members voting yes and President Neseth recorded as abstaining. The board also approved a 4% wage increase for classified staff on a motion moved by Brooke Brooks and seconded by Duane Teter; the vote passed with Brooks, Teter and Meyers voting yes and Neseth abstaining.
The board approved offering contracts to certified staff for the 2025–26 school year (motion moved by Teter, seconded by Meyers) and authorized the sale of surplus district items (motion moved by Teter, seconded by Brooks); both motions were approved with no recorded opposition.
Why it matters: the security camera purchase is a capital investment intended to increase campus safety and the pay increase directly affects classified employees’ compensation. The policy revision and contract approvals set personnel rules and employment arrangements for the coming school year.
What the board recorded: meeting minutes show the routine procedural approvals (agenda, minutes, claims and treasurer’s report) preceded the substantive votes. The meeting minutes list the board members present and absent and show the motions and seconders for each action.
The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Monday, March 10, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at Southwest Junior‑Senior High School in Bartley.
